Yes, the much awaited firmware update will be released around third week of March. But this update will only fix known bugs in the system and no new features will be rolled out. So, no audible books or podcasting support yet.

Now, what to expect from firmware version 1.3? First the much talked about skipping issue will be resolved. As you know I wrote a post last month highlighting this issue with respect to content downloaded from zune marketplace.

Other features include changes to the FM Tuner so it no longer drains the battery in sleep mode and improved device and software reliability, when it comes to device detection, and improved syncing.

As per zuneinsider zune.net will be updated around 01:00 PM EST today. This update will enable account management from a web-browser, no need to sign into the zune software.

It will enable you to:

• Update, change, or cancel your Zune Pass subscription.
• Buy Microsoft Points.
• Change the password on your Tag.
• Update your credit card info
• View your statement and more.

Pauses or skips at the beginning of songs is one of the most common issues zune users are experiencing. Well not everybody, but at least some do, in most cases that downloaded their content from zune marketplace.

So, Cesar from zuneinsider posted yesterday expressing concern over skipping and said that the team is aware, and is working on it. He also asked the users to comment and help the zune team.

Anyway is there a fix for this problem. Well officially not. But I’ll mention what some users did to get rid of this problem. It might not help everybody, but definitely doesn’t hurt to try.

If you are in high school and live around Salem then you could probably win a free zune.

How?

Willamette University is organizing an event for high school students interested in learning about careers in computer science and technology.

The event is free to enter and is sponsored by large technology companies like by Microsoft, Google, IBM and HP.

The event will be held on Feb 10th and any students who register and attend will be entered into a drawing for a zune player and other prizes like HP digital camera and more.

You might have seen stories taking rounds about Universal and Sony placing restriction on zune’s wi-fi sharing. Not aware of it, well I guess it even hit the digg home page.

Anyway it’s not true. As per Cesar from zuneinsider these reports are merely speculative and flat out incorrect. Also support from these and other labels for the wireless sharing feature has been strong.

Official Microsoft statement on wireless sharing: